Would you use an LLC for occasional consulting projects?

Not overkill if you value privacy. The LLC itself doesn't hide you from the state though—your name is usually on the formation docs unless you use a registered agent and nominee services. But it does keep your name off client invoices and contracts.

3-5 gigs a year? Just use a DBA and a PO box. Save the LLC fees for when you actually have liability exposure.

The liability shield is the real reason, not privacy. One bad client and you'll wish you had it. Privacy is a bonus.

I've been running a solo LLC for years for exactly this. Worth every penny. Registered agent keeps my home address off the public filing. But be ready for the annual report fees and the 'why is your name on the bank account' questions

Annual report fees? In my state it's like $50 every two years. Not Exactly a budget killer.

Nominee services are a grey area but common. Just don't expect it to hide you from a subpoena. Privacy isn't the same as secrecy.

Honestly, if you're worried about your name on the formation docs, look into forming in a state that allows anonymous LLCs. Wyoming or New Mexico. But then you might need a foreign qualification in your home state, which puts you back on a public filing anyway. Pick your poison.

This. I tried Wyoming from out of state and ended up having to register as a foreign entity where I live. Total waste of effort for a side gig.

So basically privacy costs money and paperwork. Shocking.